The bizarre scenario began just after 2:30 p.m., when a Subway employee contacted police to say a woman had stolen $13 from the restaurant's tip jar. That woman then attempted to use the stolen money to pay for her $12.75 meal.

Officers arrived at the store, but the woman had moved on. The North Coast Fred Meyer reported a theft shortly after, and Rite Aid reported a disturbance, as well.

But then, things took a turn, when Chester allegedly walked into Home Depot and took a ride on a motorized shopping cart. The cart was filled with merchandise before it was driven out of the store, through the parking lot and onto the highway.

That's where Warrenton Police found Chester and arrested her. Police say she also had stolen items from Petco in her possession.

Chester, of Seaside, has not had contact with Warrenton Police in the past, Chief Mathew Workman said. But her contact list is long with both the Seaside and Astoria police departments.

"She has numerous contacts in Seaside, and quite a few in Astoria, mostly for menacing and disturbances," Workman said. "Looking at this pattern of behavior, there might be some mental illness or substance abuse going on. It seems to fit the profile."